Every year people across East Sussex make an immense difference to the lives of those around them through volunteering. This Volunteers Week (1 to 7 June) health and care organisations across East Sussex said a huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers, and the many and varied roles they take part in.
If you volunteer, a big thank you for all that you do, particularly during such a challenging year. It’s never too late to start volunteering and you can find out more here about local opportunities.
Volunteers have made a big impact for all of us over the last few years, with vital contributions to the successful roll out of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. These fantastic volunteers are not alone, and there are countless ways volunteers have supported the communities around them. For example, volunteers at local food banks have been helping residents access the food they need, library volunteers have helped people stay connected and share the joy of reading, and volunteers with health and social care have shared their time, views and experiences to improve services for local people. More recently, hundreds of people in the county have also started welcoming guests from Ukraine into their homes.
If you’re feeling inspired to give volunteering a go, whether you have a few hours to spare or more, here are some examples of where to start:
Volunteering with the NHS
There’s lots of ways to get involved with the NHS, from GP Patient Participation Groups, to becoming a Community Ambassador, chatting to and offering refreshments to patients, delivering medicines by car, meeting and greeting visitors, and lots more.
Find out more about volunteering with:
Volunteering with the council
East Sussex County Council has a broad range of volunteering opportunities, from libraries and Children’s Centres to countryside volunteering and careers advice: Volunteering | East Sussex County Council
For example, if you have lived experience of getting support from Adult Social Care, or care for someone who has, you can join the People Bank and add your voice to the mix of people helping to shape services. Make a difference to social care services that support thousands of people.
Volunteering with local charities and community groups
There is a multitude of community, charity and voluntary organisations seeking volunteers across East Sussex, with roles to suit a range of interests and skills. Find an opportunity near you: